The Uprise Experience: Houston Black Theatre Week is back for its 3rd annual celebration, and submissions are officially open! This year’s festival will take place October 19–26, 2025 at the historic Deluxe Theater, and we’re calling on artists, playwrights, and theatre-makers to bring their boldest work to the stage.

 

Guided by this year’s theme — “Honoring Our Past While Shaping Our Future” — we are seeking projects that reflect the richness of Black stories, the strength of our heritage, and the vision for what lies ahead. Whether your work is a fully staged production, a staged reading, a multidisciplinary piece, or a performance that defies easy categorization, we want to see it.

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Returning partners for this year’s festival include 1989 Dreams Productions, Esurient Arts, and The Deluxe Theater, with Harold JAY Trotter serving as Artistic Director. Together, we are committed to curating a week of unforgettable performances, meaningful conversations, and opportunities for emerging and established artists alike.

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Submission Deadline: June 1, 2025
How to Submit: Visit 1989dreams.com/festival for guidelines and the submission form.

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With a new name and the same great experience, the Uprise Experience: Houston Black Theatre Week continues to be a cornerstone of Houston’s cultural calendar — amplifying voices, building community, and celebrating the brilliance of Black theatre. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s powerful line-up.